CBD vs CBG
Many of us have heard about CBD, but CBG is relatively new to the market. This means people have lots of questions regarding what it is, if it works like CBD, and if it’s even better. So, we’re with the science to help you understand and settle the CBG vs CBD debate.
What is CBG?
CBG or cannabigerol is one of the many phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and every CBD or hemp oil contains this substance.
It is known as the mother of all the cannabinoids as it is the precursor phytocannabinoid to many others, therefore it also plays a hugely important role in the production of CBD within the plant.
One of the main reasons CBG isn’t as popular as CBD right now. CBG concentration within hemp is very low compared to CBD, so much more biomass is needed to extract the same levels of the raw plant extract. This, plus the fact that crops have to be harvested earlier for increased CBG volumes, make it the most expensive cannabinoid to produce.
What are the Potential Health Benefits of CBG Oil?
Due to its newly emerging status in the world of wellbeing, not much research has been conducted on the potential health benefits of CBG oil, with many human trials still in their preliminary phases. However, there are a number of animal studies that begin to showcase a positive impact on the endocannabinoid system, which is present within all mammals, as well on a number of different health conditions.
1. In an experimental study where mice were used, it was shown that CBD oil can have a beneficial effect in inflammatory bowel disease
2. In research where cats with glaucoma were administered CBG, a reduction in eye pressure was observed
3. CBG has shown neuroprotective properties in studies where mice with Huntington’s disease were given this substance by preventing the nerve cells from breaking down
What is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol also comes from the cannabis plant and is present in the hemp oil. This substance makes up to 40 percent of the cannabis sativa plant’s composition. It is non-psychoactive which means that it does not get you ‘high’, is no addictive, and is 100% safe to use regularly.
When you explore CBD vs THC, THC is the cannabinoid that causes users to feel ‘high’. In broad-spectrum CBD oil and CBD isolates, THC is not present as it is removed during the filtration process.
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body in which it binds with CB2 receptors only – delivering the health benefits without any unwanted side effects.
These receptors regulate important functions in the human body such as appetite, sleep and pain control, among others. When it comes to CBD vs CBG, you will find that CBG interacts with these very same receptors, making it clear this relatively unknown cannabinoid has the potential to deliver positive impacts on the body in a similar way to CBD.
What are the Potential Health Benefits of CBD Oil?
While CBG has a growing popularity within wellness circles, CBD is a much more thoroughly explored substance. There are even human trials that have explored the effects of CBD on overall health including psychological and physiological processes within the body, as well as its interaction with long-term conditions – from stress management and anti-inflammatory properties to improving public speaking and protecting your skin.
1. CBD oil has been shown to counter the stress responses in the human body by relaxing blood vessels and reducing internal pressure on them
2. It also has anti-soreness properties which can mean a potential role in supporting healthier skin function and health
3. In a study where healthy men with anxiety issues were given either CBD or a placebo before a public speaking engagement, CBD-recipients maintained the better composure as compared to those who received a placebo
4. CBD has also been shown to support normal functions related to the heart, mood, sugar metabolism, and nerve cell health.
What is the Difference Between CBG and CBD?
There has been a long raging debate of CBG vs CBD. People on both ends have their own opinions as to which cannabinoid is better and why. But in terms of scientific evidence here are the main point of differences in CBG vs CBD discussion.
Based on your preferences, you can decide which one you want to consume but if you have not yet made up your mind, we suggest that you try both CBD and CBG products. This can help you decide which suits your needs better and complement your health goals.
Both CBG and CBD come in different strengths and product types. For a newbie, it is recommended to start small. This means that you should try CBG and CBD products that are low in strength to see how your body responds. This includes Naturecan’s 5% CBD oil, 10% CBD oil, or 10% CBG oil. You can always move on to higher concentrations later on after you decide on which product you like best.
| CBD | CBG |
|---|---|
| Pros | Pros |
| Widely available | Potential therapeutic benefits not found in CBD |
| Legal in many countries and non-psychoactive | Non-psychoactive |
| Well-researched | May have stronger anti-inflammatory properties |
| Cons | Cons |
| May produce side effects such as drowsiness | Limited research available |
| May not be as effective for certain conditions | May be more expensive than CBD |
Difference between CBD, CBG & THC
Many people confuse THC, CBG, CBD. All three are different. Both cannabigerol and CBD do not contain THC, which is another intoxicating cannabinoid. In simpler words, CBG does not cause a high or addiction, and difference between CBG and THC is that they are both different cannabinoids present in the weed plant.
Within the CBG vs CBD debate, another noteworthy point is that just like CBD, CBG also attaches to the receptors in the human endocannabinoid system, however it does not have a preference when it comes to attaching to CB1 or CB2 receptors. So, why choose CBG instead of CBD?
CBG interacts directly with both of our CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors within our brain for a more powerful effect on the endocannabinoid system vs CBD. This powerful in-built network has been proven to help regulate a wide range of essential psychological and physiological processes within our body, including mood, appetite, sleep and pain.
| Properties | CBD | CBG |
|---|---|---|
| Binds to cannabinoid receptors | No | Yes |
| Converts into other cannabinoids | No | Yes, CBG is the mother of CBD and all cannabinodis |
| Extracted from hemp | Yes | Yes |
| Influences the endocannabinoid system | Yes | Yes |
| Makes the user "high" | No | No |
| Present in hemp throughout the plant lifecycle | Yes | No, only present during a certain period of hemps life cycle |
Choosing a CBG Product
Now that you know more about the CBG vs CBD debate, you might also want to know what to look out for when choosing a CBG product. You can find many guides to follow while choosing a CBD oil but not as many on finding the right CBG product. Here are things you should look out for while buying any CBG oil product:
- The product is the third-party tested which means that an independent company has verified the claims made by the manufacturer of the product
- The product has been sourced from 100 per cent organic raw source material and no harmful and toxic chemicals or additives have been added
- You are starting with low concentrations of CBG so you do not counter any side effects which are rare but still sometimes present, including mild nausea or drowsiness.
- The product does not include any THC – THC-containing oils and other edibles are not legal in the UK and can come with a range of unwanted side effects
CBD vs CBG FAQs
Can You Take CBD and CBG Together?
It doesn’t always have to be CBG vs CBD – you can use both of these products at the same time. In fact, it could even be a huge plus, because when you take these cannabinoids together you enjoy what’s called the ‘entourage’ effect.
When one of these cannabinoids interacts with human body cells it produces an effect but research shows that when several of these cannabinoids enter the body together, the effect multiplies, and the benefits are elevated exponentially.
However, we understand how mixing and matching types of cannabinoids, strengths and products types together can be daunting for a newcomer, so Naturecan have made it easy for you. We offer products where both of these cannabinoids are expertly combined and potency is certified safe and effective, so you can have complete piece of mind.
Why is CBG more expensive than CBD?
CBD shares a large part in the cannabis plant than CBG, which is only 1% of the whole plant. That is the reason that extracting CBG is quite a hideous task.
This, plus the fact that crops have to be harvested earlier for increased CBG volumes, make it the most expensive cannabinoid to produce.
Can CBD or CBG cause a high?
No, CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol) are non-psychoactive compounds, meaning they don’t cause a “high” like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does.
Are CBD and CBG both legal?
Yes, CBD derived from hemp is legal in many places, as long as it contains very low levels of THC. CBG’s legality can vary but is generally less regulated than THC.
Can you take CBD and CBG together?
Yes, CBD and CBG can be taken together. They are often found in full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products, which contain multiple cannabinoids. Although, speaking with your doctor before taking any CBD or CBG is recommended.
What's the difference between THC, CBD and CBG?
– THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the “high” sensation.
– CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and is believed to have various potential health benefits.
– CBG (cannabigerol) is also non-psychoactive and is considered a precursor to other cannabinoids. It may have potential health benefits as well.
Which Should You Choose? CBD or CBG?
Even though you’re up to speed with all things CBG vs CBD, one thing you should always remember is that, despite some shared health benefits, they are both very different cannabinoids – resulting in various differing effects within the human body.
It’s also clear that both of these compounds work differently for each individual – CBD might work for one but not for another, and the same of CBG – so taking both combined might be the perfect answer to meet your specific health needs. Plus, you will also benefit from the heralded ‘entourage’ effect.
When it comes to winning in the CBG vs CBG battle, only you will know which works for you. So, we recommend trying a number of different products, both separately and combined, to reap the benefits of this.
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